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The Arizona Supreme Court has announced significant changes in its attorney discipline system. The court's announcement highlights the new regime:

Utilization of a paid full-time hearing officer, the Presiding
Disciplinary Judge, to preside over all formal cases;

Establishment of an independent probable cause committee,
appointed by the Supreme Court, with representation by attorneys and
members of the public;

A streamlined process for formal cases that encourages
resolution of cases before the Presiding Disciplinary Judge and provides
the judge with the authority to impose all sanctions, including
disbarment;

Elimination of the Disciplinary Commission review and
recommendation process; replacing it with a direct appeal to the Supreme
Court;

Appointment of counsel by the Presiding Disciplinary Judge for
investigation of conflict cases and;

Establish an Advisory Committee on Attorney Regulation to
monitor the implementation of the new process and to periodically review
the entire attorney admission and discipline system.